Managed Service Desk
SoftServe's Managed Service Desk offers comprehensive L1 Support 24/7/365, ensuring exceptional user experience and satisfaction while driving measurable results towards your business and strategic goals. Our service is underpinned by SLAs, built upon the ITIL framework, and can be tailored to meet your specific business requirements.
Features
- Round-the-clock support guarantees 24/7 issue resolution and assistance.
- SLA compliance ensures adherence to defined Service Level Agreements.
- Monthly Service Level Reports enable data-driven decision-making insights.
- 24/7 operation enhances accessibility and customer satisfaction.
- Centralised knowledge management ensures easy access to information and procedures.
- Single Point of Contact (SPOC) streamlines request handling and escalation.
- Process user inquiries, incidents, and how-to queries efficiently.
- Custom monitoring includes scheduled checks, health assessments, and escalations.
- ice level management maintains established processes and monthly reports.
- Primary contact availability during business hours ensures service continuity.
Benefits
- Cut costs via reduced staffing, rotation, education, and continuous operations.
- Strengthened SLA compliance ensures reliable service within defined parameters.
- Data-driven insights from monthly reports aid informed decision-making.
- Boosted customer satisfaction through enhanced accessibility and responsiveness.
- Centralised knowledge management and streamlined processes ensure efficiency.
- Swift issue resolution with efficient request handling ensures rapid solutions.
- Improved visibility into service performance ensures SLA adherence.
- Tailored service desk fits specific business and operational needs precisely
- Expert management of IT service desk.
Pricing
£190 a unit
Service documents
Request an accessible format
Framework
G-Cloud 14
Service ID
6 3 8 8 0 0 8 2 9 0 9 4 3 6 3
Contact
SOFTSERVE
Adam Heaton
Telephone: +447833366949
Email: aheat@softserveinc.com
Service scope
- Service constraints
- N/A
- System requirements
- N/A
User support
- Email or online ticketing support
- Email or online ticketing
- Support response times
- Within 24 hours
- User can manage status and priority of support tickets
- Yes
- Online ticketing support accessibility
- WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
- Phone support
- Yes
- Phone support availability
- 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Web chat support
- Web chat
- Web chat support availability
- 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Web chat support accessibility standard
- WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
- Web chat accessibility testing
- Testing with individuals experiencing visual impairments, motor disabilities, and cognitive impairments. We utilise a range of assistive technologies, including screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices. This thorough process allows us to evaluate the usability and functionality of our web chat interface effectively.
- Onsite support
- No
- Support levels
-
1) Core: 09:00 to 17:00 Mon-Fri excluding English Public holidays; suitable for most business-critical applications.
2) Extended: 08:00 to 18:00 Mon-Fri excluding English Public holidays.
3) 24x7: full 24x7x365 support.
4) Bespoke: customised set of service hours that meets unique business requirements.
Different business needs require flexibility in response and resolution times:
1) Core: resolution times are P1: 1 day, P2: 2 days, P3: 8 days and P4: 20 days.
2) Enhanced: resolution times are P1: 4 hours, P2: 8 hours, P3: 4 days and P4: 10 days.
3) Bespoke: a customised set of response and resolution times that meets your unique business requirements.
Severity Levels for Incidents are defined as follows:
a) Priority Level 1 (Critical) - reported problem causes a halt to the client’s core business processes and no work-around is available.
b) Priority Level 2 (Major) - reported problem causes degradation of the client’s core business processes and no reasonable work-around exists.
c) Priority Level 3 (Intermediate) - reported problem impacts the client’s operational environment; it does not affect core business processes; a work-around is available.
d) Priority Level 4 (Minor) - a non-critical problem causing some disruption with little or no impact on client operation. - Support available to third parties
- Yes
Onboarding and offboarding
- Getting started
- To ensure users start effectively using our service, all new customers receive dedicated support from a Account Manager. This includes expert assistance from DevOps and cloud architects to optimize solutions for specific workloads, complemented by comprehensive online documentation and tutorials available on our portal. Additionally, customers have access to free online training courses to enhance their understanding and usage of our services.
- Service documentation
- Yes
- Documentation formats
-
- HTML
- ODF
- End-of-contract data extraction
- Customers have multiple options to extract their data, ensuring flexibility and ease of access. Users can download their data using the same methods they used for upload, whether it’s over their network via the internet or express routes, or through Import/Export services. Additionally, customers maintain full autonomy over how their data is stored and managed within their environments and have the capability to seamlessly port their environments and associated data whenever needed, providing complete control over their digital assets.
- End-of-contract process
-
Our standard procedure for end-of-contract entails timely notification to customers, prompting them to prepare accordingly. Customers assess their data needs and back up critical information as necessary, coordinating with us to facilitate the termination process and any required data retrieval or service terminations. Once executed, we welcome feedback on their experience, ensuring a smooth transition for both parties.
Additional costs will only be incurred for work outside of the agreed contract scope.
Using the service
- Web browser interface
- Yes
- Using the web interface
-
We offer a user-friendly control panel that facilitates easy provisioning, management, and decommissioning of service components. This interface integrates seamlessly with our service management system, allowing users to submit tickets and requests efficiently. Additionally, it provides users with resources such as a rich library of documentation and instructional videos.
Our web interface is compatible with all major web browsers and can be accessed over various networks including the Internet, PSN, N3/HSCN, and Janet. It features robust security with standards-based encryption, two-factor authentication, and optional IP address restrictions. The interface does not require any plugins and supports any modern desktop or mobile browser that can handle secure HTTPS connections. - Web interface accessibility standard
- WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
- Web interface accessibility testing
- Testing with individuals experiencing visual impairments, motor disabilities, and cognitive impairments. We utilise a range of assistive technologies, including screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices. This thorough process allows us to evaluate the usability and functionality of our service effectively.
- API
- Yes
- What users can and can't do using the API
- You can use API calls to create, manage, and monitor Service Requests and view details about the components of your environment. We provide native access to the underlying APIs and CLI, enabling full programmatic control over your application environments and the users who access them.
- API automation tools
-
- Ansible
- Chef
- OpenStack
- SaltStack
- Terraform
- Puppet
- API documentation
- Yes
- API documentation formats
-
- Open API (also known as Swagger)
- HTML
- ODF
- Command line interface
- Yes
- Command line interface compatibility
-
- Linux or Unix
- Windows
- MacOS
- Using the command line interface
- Users can manage their virtual infrastructure resources such as compute, storage, and networking. This includes setting up the service and making changes to the management of virtual images either programmatically or manually.
Scaling
- Scaling available
- Yes
- Scaling type
-
- Automatic
- Manual
- Independence of resources
- With scalable infrastructure to handle increased traffic, load balancing to evenly distribute workload, continuous resource monitoring to detect and address bottlenecks, performance optimisation for efficiency, failover and redundancy systems for resilience, and user isolation techniques to prevent one user's actions from impacting others.
- Usage notifications
- Yes
- Usage reporting
-
- API
- SMS
Analytics
- Infrastructure or application metrics
- Yes
- Metrics types
-
- CPU
- Disk
- HTTP request and response status
- Memory
- Number of active instances
- Reporting types
-
- API access
- Real-time dashboards
- Regular reports
- Reports on request
Resellers
- Supplier type
- Not a reseller
Staff security
- Staff security clearance
- Other security clearance
- Government security clearance
- Up to Security Clearance (SC)
Asset protection
- Knowledge of data storage and processing locations
- Yes
- Data storage and processing locations
-
- United Kingdom
- European Economic Area (EEA)
- Other locations
- User control over data storage and processing locations
- Yes
- Datacentre security standards
- Complies with a recognised standard (for example CSA CCM version 3.0)
- Penetration testing frequency
- At least every 6 months
- Penetration testing approach
- In-house
- Protecting data at rest
-
- Physical access control, complying with CSA CCM v3.0
- Physical access control, complying with SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
- Physical access control, complying with another standard
- Encryption of all physical media
- Scale, obfuscating techniques, or data storage sharding
- Data sanitisation process
- Yes
- Data sanitisation type
- Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
- Equipment disposal approach
- Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v.30, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001
Backup and recovery
- Backup and recovery
- Yes
- What’s backed up
-
- You can back up and restore at the cluster level
- There is also some preliminary support for per-project backup
- Backup controls
- Depending on the backup or replication service that the customer chooses, this can be done either via the API, CLI or dashboards
- Datacentre setup
- Multiple datacentres with disaster recovery
- Scheduling backups
- Users schedule backups through a web interface
- Backup recovery
- Users can recover backups themselves, for example through a web interface
Data-in-transit protection
- Data protection between buyer and supplier networks
-
- TLS (version 1.2 or above)
- IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
- Bonded fibre optic connections
- Data protection within supplier network
- TLS (version 1.2 or above)
Availability and resilience
- Guaranteed availability
- 99.5%
- Approach to resilience
- Our service is deployed across a number of sites, regions and zones. Each zone is designed to eliminate single points of failure (such as power, network and hardware). Customers are encouraged to ensure their solution spans multiple sites, regions or zones to ensure service continuity should a failure occur.
- Outage reporting
- All outages will be reported via our Service Status page with notifications. Outages are identified as Planned maintenance, Emergency maintenance, and platform issues. In addition, the designated Account Manager will proactively contact customers as appropriate.
Identity and authentication
- User authentication
-
- 2-factor authentication
- Limited access network (for example PSN)
- Username or password
- Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels
- We maintain individual role-based authorisation of privileged accounts that is subject to regular validation. A privileged account is a duly authorised user identity with administrative access to a Cloud Service, including associated infrastructure, networks, systems, applications, databases and file systems.
- Access restriction testing frequency
- At least every 6 months
- Management access authentication
-
- 2-factor authentication
- Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
- Limited access network (for example PSN)
- Username or password
- Devices users manage the service through
-
- Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)
- Dedicated device over multiple services or networks
- Any device but through a bastion host (a bastion host is a server that provides access to a private network from an external network such as the internet)
- Directly from any device which may also be used for normal business (for example web browsing or viewing external email)
Audit information for users
- Access to user activity audit information
- Users contact the support team to get audit information
- How long user audit data is stored for
- Between 1 month and 6 months
- Access to supplier activity audit information
- Users contact the support team to get audit information
- How long supplier audit data is stored for
- Between 1 month and 6 months
- How long system logs are stored for
- Between 1 month and 6 months
Standards and certifications
- ISO/IEC 27001 certification
- Yes
- Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001
- Ernst & Young, Netherlands
- ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
- November 14, 2023
- What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
- At the corporate level, all infrastructure is covered.
- ISO 28000:2007 certification
- No
- CSA STAR certification
- No
- PCI certification
- No
- Cyber essentials
- Yes
- Cyber essentials plus
- No
- Other security certifications
- Yes
- Any other security certifications
-
- ISO 27701
- ISO 20000-1
- SOC 2 Type 2
- SOC 3
Security governance
- Named board-level person responsible for service security
- Yes
- Security governance certified
- Yes
- Security governance standards
- ISO/IEC 27001
- Information security policies and processes
- We have policies for infrastructure security, physical security, availability, components & boundaries, network architecture, production network, SQL DB, operations, monitoring, integrity and data protection.
Operational security
- Configuration and change management standard
- Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
- Configuration and change management approach
- Change management system operational which documents all changes, responsible parties, time of change and senior-level sign off. All changes pass through a Change Advisory Board (CAB).
- Vulnerability management type
- Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
- Vulnerability management approach
- Our vulnerability management process involves continuous assessment of threats using automated scanning tools and timely patch deployment, with critical vulnerabilities addressed urgently. We gather threat information from trusted sources and prioritise remediation using risk-rating processes. We deploy automated patch management solutions for both operating systems and third-party software to ensure swift and consistent patch deployment, minimising the window of opportunity for attackers. Regular back-to-back vulnerability scans track progress, allowing us to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain the security of our services.
- Protective monitoring type
- Undisclosed
- Protective monitoring approach
- Our protective monitoring processes utilise threat monitoring systems across all infrastructure, continuously analysing activity for anomalies. When potential compromises are detected, we respond promptly with predefined incident response plans, including isolating affected systems, collecting forensic evidence, and notifying stakeholders. Our response is swift, prioritising incidents based on severity to minimise impact and prevent further escalation. We aim to resolve incidents quickly while ensuring thorough investigation and mitigation measures to prevent future occurrences.
- Incident management type
- Undisclosed
- Incident management approach
- Our incident management processes are comprehensive, encompassing pre-defined procedures for common events to ensure a quick and coordinated response. Users report incidents through designated channels, including helpdesk tickets, email, or dedicated incident reporting platforms. Once reported, our team assesses the situation, containing and mitigating the incident's impact. Following resolution, incident reports detailing the nature of the incident, actions taken, and recommendations for preventing future occurrences are provided to stakeholders. ISO27001-complaint processes and systems for incident response are operational.
Secure development
- Approach to secure software development best practice
- Independent review of processes (for example CESG CPA Build Standard, ISO/IEC 27034, ISO/IEC 27001 or CSA CCM v3.0)
Separation between users
- Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart
- No
Energy efficiency
- Energy-efficient datacentres
- Yes
- Description of energy efficient datacentres
- Our hosting has several components, including energy reduction, renewable energy sources, carbon offsets and recycling. Our IT sustainability consultants review all elements for energy efficiency best practices and alignment with the EU Code of Conduct.
Social Value
- Social Value
-
Social Value
- Fighting climate change
- Covid-19 recovery
- Tackling economic inequality
- Equal opportunity
- Wellbeing
Fighting climate change
SoftServe’s comprehensive approach towards environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR):
Alignment with ISO 14001: We integrate environmental issues into our operations through adherence to ISO 14001 standards, prioritising natural capital enhancement and climate adaptation. Our strategies align with the Government's 25-year environment plan, reflecting our commitment to sustainability on a national level.
Engagement with Global Sustainability Networks: Since 2021, SoftServe has actively engaged with the UN Global Compact Network and CSR Communities, including participation in the Environmental Sustainability Council and Ecological Advisory Committee. These partnerships enable us to collaborate on global sustainability initiatives and exchange best practices.
Environmental Goals for 2031: SoftServe has set ambitious environmental goals to be achieved by 2031, including:
• Growing a carbon-neutral business by reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy usage, and advocating for remote work and meetings.
• Achieving net zero waste through the promotion of a "Rethink, Reuse, and Recycle" approach, reducing consumption, and eliminating the use of non-recyclable materials.
• Establishing sustainable offices that prioritize sustainable land use, low-carbon technologies, and certifications like LEED and BREEAM.
• Providing sustainable IT solutions by ensuring clean code, efficient software architecture, and optimal carbon, energy, network, and hardware usage.
Emissions Reduction and Tracking: SoftServe actively tracks direct and indirect emissions using the GHG Protocol. We achieved a significant 45% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2022 compared to 2021, with a further 4% decrease in 2023.
Community Engagement and Offset Initiatives: SoftServe actively engages with communities by partnering with NGOs, government agencies, and social enterprises. We contribute to environmental preservation by planting trees in Poland and Bulgaria, offsetting 1175 tons of CO2 in 2023. Additionally, we organise World Clean-Up days, waste sorting workshops, and collaborate with Zero Waste initiatives to reduce non-recyclable consumption.Covid-19 recovery
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SoftServe implemented comprehensive measures to prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of our associates. Here's an overview of our initiatives:
Enhanced Medical Insurance and Benefits:
Increased the number of covered sick leave days to accommodate associates needing time off due to illness or caregiving responsibilities.
Expanded services covered by our corporate insurance package to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Provided options for health club membership reimbursement to support associates' physical well-being.
Expanded leave benefits to offer additional flexibility and support during challenging times.
COVID-19 Vaccination Support:
SoftServe actively supported COVID-19 vaccination efforts by providing essential healthcare resources and tools to medical institutions and local authorities.
Associates received up-to-date information on the pandemic situation in cities with our development centers.
SoftServe organised educational sessions with trusted medical experts to address COVID-19 and vaccination myths, leading to the vaccination of 4,014 associates and their immediate families in public vaccination centers or SoftServe offices in 2021.
Well being, Educational and Awareness Sessions:
Responding to increased demand, SoftServe provided educational and awareness sessions with health, mental health, and mindfulness experts.
These sessions aimed to support associates in coping with isolation, anxiety, uncertainty, and stress during the pandemic.
Work from Home Policy:
SoftServe implemented a global Work from Home Policy across all offices to ensure the safety and well-being of our associates while maintaining service continuity.
All personnel were provided with company-provided equipment to facilitate remote work.
Stringent security protocols were implemented to protect client information, including special monitoring and audits to maintain productivity and quality standards.
These initiatives demonstrate SoftServe's commitment to supporting our associates' physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. We prioritise safety, flexibility, and support to ensure that our associates can navigate these challenging times with confidence and resilience.Tackling economic inequality
An overview of how we tackle economic inequality through our Corporate Social Responsibility:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: We prioritise equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of background (55% of our associates in managerial roles are women) and foster an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued.
Education and Skill Development Programs are aimed at empowering individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. We offer training opportunities for women (Empower U Program), dual education for students, mentorship to help individuals access better job opportunities.
Community Engagement: Through volunteering and Charity Fund Open Eyes, charity crowdsourcing platform Open Tech, and collaboration with non-profit organisations, SoftServe has involved more than 500 volunteers in 2023. Our key focus in 2022-23 was to support Ukraine - we raised over $12M for medical aid and protective equipment.
Supplier Diversity and Fair Labor Practices: SoftServe prioritises supplier diversity and fair labor practices in our procurement processes. We seek out suppliers and partners who share our commitment to ethical business practices, fair wages, and labor rights.
Employee Volunteerism and Giving Programs: Our employees donate their time, skills, and resources to support causes related to economic empowerment, such as job readiness training, workforce development programs.
Generation Tech. Since 2017, SoftServe annually launched at least one group of IT Pupil program with the aim to develop basic knowledge in IT technologies, soft skills, and English literacy for orphans and children from families in need. Over 600 kids have participated.
Kids Helper Day. Every June, to celebrate Children’s Day with a good cause, SoftServe associates collect gifts for low-income families, kids with disabilities, and orphans. In 2023, 377 SoftServe associates participated and altogether helped more than 450 children.Equal opportunity
SoftServe is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and fostering inclusive culture:
Gender Equality and IT Careers: we actively promote gender equality by encouraging careers in IT for women. We host Women Do Tech events, engaging leadership and nearly 1,100 participants to highlight the impact of women in technology.
Educational Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups: We prioritise providing educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, including visually impaired individuals and veterans. Our EmpowerU program, conducted through SoftServe Academy in our main hubs, aims to empower individuals from all backgrounds with skills and opportunities in the IT industry.
Dedicated DEI Role and Advisory Board: SoftServe has a dedicated DEI role and cross-functional Diversity Advisory Board, the DEI Council, ensuring DEI principles integrate across our organisation's operations and decision-making.
Inclusive Leadership and Training Initiatives: We are committed to promoting inclusive leadership by providing clear toolkits for evaluating inclusive behaviors and providing ongoing training and support for managers. We have launched an in-house DEI basics e-learning course, mandatory for all associates during onboarding and annually thereafter.
Support for Associates with Disabilities: SoftServe does not discriminate against applicants or associates with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law. We have conducted internal accessibility audits of our offices and events to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities (69 % of offices are accessible). We offer courses and training in accessibility testing for people with visual impairments, ensuring equal career opportunities for all. In 2019, the SoftServe IT Academy, which provides free educational IT courses for graduates and students, launched its first two-month Accessibility Testing course for people with visual impairments and hired all the graduates.
Accessibility in Software Development: We prioritise software accessibility, ensuring compliance with global standards. Our expert team conducts audits and training to ensure inclusivity for all users.Wellbeing
SoftServe prioritises a supportive and inclusive environment led by the Productivity and Well-Being Council. This initiative focuses on mental well-being, offering lectures, online sessions, and offline gatherings led by psychologists and experts on stress management and mindfulness techniques.
Our commitment to employee well-being extends to physical and mental health initiatives:
Physical Well-being:
Our "Health Matters" program organises health check-ups, specialist advice sessions, and sporting events to promote a healthy lifestyle.
SoftServe offers corporate medical insurance, ensuring easy access to high-quality medical services for associates worldwide.
Modern gym facilities, multisport passes, and discounts for local gym memberships promote physical well-being.
Cycling infrastructure, including bicycle stands, locker rooms, and showers, encourages eco-friendly commuting.
Mental Well-being:
Initiatives such as Mental Well-being Week, Dare to Care, Emotional Intelligence programs provide education and support for emotional health, mental, and behavioral health, stress relief, work-life balance.
Sessions and webinars with psychologists offer a safe space for associates to discuss concerns and receive valuable advice; offline gatherings, yoga are organised to practice mindfulness and self-care techniques; 21-day challenges help build healthy habits. The challenges of 2022–2023 set the focus on providing support for Ukrainian associates affected by the war and managers in times of crisis by organising sessions with psychologists and consultants and launching free psychological support hot lines in Ukraine and Poland. This benefit is being scaled now to all other locations. Over 50 offline events, more than 40 online mindfulness sessions with more than 1,600 attendees were held in 2023.
Online engagement activities, including E-Game tournaments and Brain Games, promote team bonding and alleviate stress during remote work.
We continuously gather feedback through company-wide employee satisfaction surveys since 2017, allowing us to enhance our offerings and processes to better support our associates' well-being.
Pricing
- Price
- £190 a unit
- Discount for educational organisations
- No
- Free trial available
- No